June 30, 2009
Celebrating Excellence in Trades and Technology

ABBOTSFORD – Two Abbotsford students were among 45 Skills Canada “Team B.C.” students recognized in Victoria for achieving top ranking at the provincial and national Skills Competitions. The students were recognized as part of a celebration of trades and technology.

“Both of these students are excelling in their fields and should be proud of what they have achieved,” says Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes. “I want to encourage them to keep up their hard work and wish them the best of luck as they move forward in building on their skills.”

Daniel Burdekin from Riverside Skills Trade Training Centre and Kenneth Meunier from Abbotsford Collegiate were among those recognized for their accomplishments.

Daniel Burdekin won the gold medal in cooking at the provincial championships. Kenneth Meunier won the gold medal in electrical wiring at the provincial and silver at the national championships.

B.C. sent 45 students to the May 2009 Skills Canada Competition in Charlottetown, PEI. Students competed in 32 different areas ranging from carpentry and automotive services to 3D character animation. Nineteen secondary and post-secondary students won medals, with Team B.C. earning 12 gold, three silver and four bronze awards.

As part of the recognition luncheon sponsored by Skills Canada BC, guests were treated to a performance by the B.C. robotics team and a number of other student demonstrations, featuring welding, graphic design, baking and video production.

Skills Canada BC is a non-profit organization that is composed of volunteers representing industry, labour, education and government dedicated to promoting and enhancing the image of professional technical and trade skills. Competitions allow students access to the newest technologies and help give positive exposure to career and education opportunities in the trades and technology industry.

The Province is committed to providing trades and technology training and opportunities to help achieve its goal of becoming the best-educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent and creating more jobs per capita than anywhere else in Canada.

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